Mini Loom Lunch Bag
By Jane Patrick
For this bag in jewel tones, I used the Schacht Mini Loom, a simple frame loom that’s easy to take along. I wove 8 rectangles and then heavily fulled them in the washing machine. For a design detail, I used the seams on the outside. I inserted grommets for the handles and then made Incredible Rope Machine handles for carrying. The finished size is 10" wide by 8-½" deep; handles measure 15" long, fringe to fringe.
What You'll Need
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Yarn: I used Lamb’s Pride Bulky from Brown Sheep Company (85% /15% mohair singles). I used colors I had left over from previous projects. You’ll need a total of 8 rectangles.
Here’s what I used (feel free to mix and match): 1 rectangle M08 Wild Oak, 2 rectangles M124 Persian Peacock, 2 rectangles M162 Mulberry, 1 rectangle M210 Forest Shadows, 2 rectangles M29 Jack Plum. You’ll need about 25 yards for each rectangle.
Note on substitutions: You’ll want to use a wool yarn that will readily felt. If you have a question about the content of the yarn in your stash, I suggest you weave up a sample and try felting it before weaving all of your squares. -
4 grommets with setting tool
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frame loom—the Lilli Loom is a good substitute if you don’t have a Mini Loom
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The Incredible Rope Machine
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sewing machine
Directions
Warp the full width of the loom (about 6-½”) and take up any slack so that the warp is evenly taut.
Weave a rectangle with the same color as the warp yarn, pressing in the weft for a balanced weave. You want to fill the full length of the warp on the loom for a rectangle that will be finished on all edges. At the top, when the space is too narrow for the shuttle, use a tapestry needle to weave the remaining rows.
Weave a total of 8 squares.
After you've woven all of the swatches, place them in a pillow case and wash in hot water and detergent in the washing machine. Check progress often. When rectangles measure 4-¾” x 6”, they should be sufficiently fulled. (This will vary with other yarns. What you want is a very dense and solid fabric. This is critical for installing the grommets.)
Mix and match the colors for two sets of 4 rectangles. Sew together with ¼” seam allowances. Place the two sides together, seams to the inside. Stitch around three sides of the bag using a ½” seam allowance. Turn the bag right side out and poke out the corners with a knitting needle. Install a grommet 1 ¼” from the top edge, centered side to side. Repeat for the other three rectangles. Make a rope using one of the colors (I used Persian Peacock). Tie a knot in the end to secure the handle and trim the ends for a 1” fringe.